Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty, I will still be joyful and glad, because the Lord God is my Saviour (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
Just like Habakkuk, the faith of Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego didn't deflate under persecution. Instead their faith inflated under the threat of death. They had an "Even though faith". They said, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, "Even though" He doesn't, we want you to know that we will not serve your idols--". The three Hebrew boys did not turn to an addiction in an attempt to quell the pain of persecution.
We are going through difficult times as humanity and these difficult times are a test of our faith. We need to grow the "Even though faith" just like Habakkuk. Even though bad things happen, I will still praise the Lord. Even though bad things happen, I will not let my mind be lost to the enemy and give the Enemy a seat at my table.
"Even though faith", is not the faith of a Christian who believes in God only when the sun shines. This faith flourishes even though the pressure is on.
Even though I am under intense financial pressure ---
Even though my spouse is with another person right now---
Even though I am not feeling well and my body is weak ---
Even though I am rejected and looked down upon---
Even though I lost my job--
Even though death snatched away my close relative---
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.
Cultivating this kind of "even though" faith changes the temperature and trajectory of your life. The development of an "even though" kind of faith has a lot to do with where we position our focus. We can develop this kind of faith in Jesus' name by meditating on the promises and assurances of God. I am wonderfully and fearfully made. I am the head and not the tail. I will be a lender of money not a borrower of money. I am blessed coming in and coming out. Emmanuel, God is with us.
To God be the glory.
Rev B Chinhara
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